Paul E. Holloway

Paul E. Holloway, 49, of Holland, MA, left this world far too soon on July 25, 2025. Born June 17, 1976, in Ware, MA, Paul was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, teacher, firefighter, coach, harmonica player, adventurer, and one-of-a-kind friend whose enthusiasm and kindness made a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kristina Dobiecki Holloway; his mother, Jeanne (Vogelsberg) Holloway; his brother, Chris Holloway, wife Megan, and their daughter Rowyn; his sister, Stacey Holloway; his in-laws Bill Dobiecki, Jill Dobiecki, Phil Grim, and Stephen Grim; and an extraordinary circle of friends, colleagues, students, and fellow firefighters whom he cherished beyond words. He was predeceased by his father, Bruce I. Holloway, whom he deeply admired and followed into a life of music and service.

Paul had a magnetic personality and a heart of gold. Whether you knew him for a minute or a lifetime, he made you feel loved, often with a bear hug or a perfectly timed joke. He was known for his booming laugh, legendary stories, and an uncanny ability to show up exactly when you needed him most.

A proud graduate of Quabbin Regional High School (1994) and Fitchburg State University (1998), Paul earned his master’s degree from Bay Path University in 2022. For the last 14 years, he worked as a Special Education teacher at Palmer High School, where he was a strong advocate for his students. He coached Unified Basketball, Unified Track, and fostered collaboration with the Special Olympics. He led with kindness, empathy, and humor, always striving to bring out the best in others. 

Paul was active in his community. In 2022, he joined the Holland Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, where he took great pride in the brotherhood and camaraderie of the department. For 25 years, he owned Holloway Painting Company and recently worked part-time at Vanished Valley Brewing Company. 

Paul was a lifelong lover of music, adventure, and being by the water. He was a passionate harmonica player, mountain biker, disc golfer, and a collector of many treasures. He lived joyfully and generously, always with a project in the works and a friend in tow. Above all, most important to Paul were the people he loved.  

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM at the Beers & Story Funeral Home in Palmer, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Paul Holloway Memorial Giving Fund, which will support programs and initiatives that reflect and celebrate the values, passions, and spirit of Paul. Contributions can be made at https://gofund.me/050c3976